Colleagues, family and friends joined the parishioners of Tullamore Union of Parishes for the ordination of Revd Alison Irvine, to the diaconate. The service took place in St Catherine’s Church in Tullamore on Sunday 17th September, at 6.30pm.

Bishop Pat Storey ordained Alison, who was presented for ordination by Archdeacon Leslie Stevenson. The preacher at the service was Canon Dr Maurice Elliott, principal of the Church of Ireland Theological Institute, where Alison undertook her training. Revd Isaac Delamere, rector of Tullamore, assisted in the planning and leading of the service. Alison will serve in Tullamore Union of Parishes. Alison's father is a diocesan lay-reader in Clogher diocese and her brother Adrian is a parish reader. Both robed for the service

Alison brings gifts and experience gained through her previous career in the Trade Union movement, including some years working in Scotland. She is a native of Enniskillen in County Fermanagh. Parishioners of Tullamore Union of Parishes were glad to be able to welcome her family and friends, especially those who travelled from a distance to support her on a special evening.

After the service everyone was invited to the adjacent church hall for refreshments.